Ken Kruger, one of the organizers from Hope Worldwide sends his heartfelt thanks, an inspiring story and encouraging words regarding this years successful Walmart food drive.
“Thank you for another successful set of food drives serving our New Hampshire communities. We raised over $12,880 in food and cash donations at Epping Walmart! Collectively since 2014, we have raised over $78,000 in support of End 68 Hours of Hunger programs which helps food insecure children with meals to help them through the weekend. Every food drive brings a flood of generous giving from local patrons. As an example, I would like to share this inspiring story from this last food drive.
A dad brought his son to Walmart with his weekly allowance to give him the opportunity to buy something he wanted. When they walked up to the food drive volunteers handing out shopping lists, the dad turned and asked his what he wanted to spend his money on. “Do you want to go and buy something you probably don’t need or do you want to help children in need that do not have food? You can choose how you want to spend your money. It is completely up to you. I want you to think about it.” Then the pair went into the store. Time passes and the two returned. The son used all of his allowance to buy food and help kids in need. He did it not out of guilt but rather, he connected to a much greater purpose and fulfillment that comes from giving.
I was also encouraged by the incredible heart and endurance of all of the volunteers. There are many special people that really pour themselves out to make the food drives happen (you know who you are, and your reward is being stored in Heaven). I wanted to highlight that our teen volunteers shared some very unique experiences as they passed out shopping lists to customers entering Walmart. For the most part, they were moved by the generous hearts of people who gave. They remarked that many of the people who they did not expect to give, often gave in exceptional ways. Also, they noticed some very rude attitudes from people who were judgmental towards people in need. The take away for them was a very important life lesson, “What type of person do I want to be? Will I care enough to help or will I be bitter, selfish, and rude when there is a need?”
I am convinced that these food drives help our hearts on so many levels. We need to see the power of compassionate people helping their neighbor AND we must see the dangers of cynical, self-righteous, and judgmental attitudes. No one is immune. We must always renew our purpose in helping people in need. Regardless of how they got there, we are commissioned by God to help them in any way we can. How can we let any child go hunger in our community or neighborhood? However, I am very encouraged and I am so proud of all of you for answering the call and making a difference. I believe we can be the first state in the Nation to end hunger….and when we do, just think how that will inspire the every other state to do the same.
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Acts 10:4
This food drive has helped me view serving in a deeper way. Will I continue to be inspired to be an exceptional giver as that young boy looking to spend his allowance? Or will I be discouraged by those who are rude or judgmental? Will I give up the fight to eliminate hunger in New Hampshire in my lifetime, or will we continue to serve and give hope to children who may be praying right now for help? Will I be consumed by what is going on in my life (which is easy to do), or will I be consumed with serving God’s purposes, serving his people, and finding ways to reduce human suffering? As for me, these answers are found in specific prayer, focused action, and surrounding myself with likeminded people like yourselves…
Please continue to pray for people in need and pray that we will be used in greater ways to help. Be inspired that in only 11 days of food drives, we have raised over $78,000….
I can’t wait to see what 365 days of serving looks like.”
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11
-Ken Kruger
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